Candidates

[appgrad95&97]

Here’s a short term nightmare scenario: Gillian leaves (on his own) and Clark stays. All the while we still have an interim chancellor.

You do get that Gillin is responsible for this, right?

Like to better understand better your hard-on as it relates to Gillin given your so many negative general references as it relates solely to the football coach.
From an outsider looking in, I see
A good hire at basketball coach
A good hire at baseball coach (doing well considering the disadvantages of playing in the mountains)
Appears to be a good hire with volleyball
Seems to be fine field hockey
Maintaining excellence in wrestling and track and field.
Yes, ADs do not always get it right 100% time.
So, what is your personal issue with the AD. There has to be something given how much he lives rent free in your brain. Yes, generally curious.
I do not but have an opinion one way or the other about the AD than what I see above...as I have only had casual and quick conversations when I pass him when I see him in the NEZ

I have posted this about a month ago, but this is my answer:

With respect to Gillin, specifically, let me say a few things: First, I think his first five years were absolutely fantastic. Like the football team, the last five years not great.

1. I said in 2019 that Clark was a lazy hire, but I wished him well and hoped he would grow into the job.
2. I was not crazy about dropping programs.
3. While I really hoped Clark would grow into the job, it doesn't seem like he has or will. That makes me question his extention.
4. I have raised concerns about the finances for all the proposed facilities plans. About two years ago "funding was secured" for the East tower. I believe (from the Sept. BOT meeting), the reality is we have $20 million is soft commitments.
5. Basketball is finally looking good again. I'm not sure that raising season ticket prices makes a lot of sense. I think we should be trying to add season ticket holders not discouraging them.
6. I don't understand why he used part of his presentation at the BOT to claim the community doesn't invest enough in athletics.

I fully recognize there is room to disagree agree with every single point I've raised. But my opinion is that there are concerns out there.

[BambooRdApp]

Here’s a short term nightmare scenario: Gillian leaves (on his own) and Clark stays. All the while we still have an interim chancellor.

You do get that Gillin is responsible for this, right?

Like to better understand better your hard-on as it relates to Gillin given your so many negative general references as it relates solely to the football coach.
From an outsider looking in, I see
A good hire at basketball coach
A good hire at baseball coach (doing well considering the disadvantages of playing in the mountains)
Appears to be a good hire with volleyball
Seems to be fine field hockey
Maintaining excellence in wrestling and track and field.
Yes, ADs do not always get it right 100% time.
So, what is your personal issue with the AD. There has to be something given how much he lives rent free in your brain. Yes, generally curious.
I do not but have an opinion one way or the other about the AD than what I see above...as I have only had casual and quick conversations when I pass him when I see him in the NEZ

I have posted this about a month ago, but this is my answer:

With respect to Gillin, specifically, let me say a few things: First, I think his first five years were absolutely fantastic. Like the football team, the last five years not great.

1. I said in 2019 that Clark was a lazy hire, but I wished him well and hoped he would grow into the job.
2. I was not crazy about dropping programs.
3. While I really hoped Clark would grow into the job, it doesn't seem like he has or will. That makes me question his extention.
4. I have raised concerns about the finances for all the proposed facilities plans. About two years ago "funding was secured" for the East tower. I believe (from the Sept. BOT meeting), the reality is we have $20 million is soft commitments.
5. Basketball is finally looking good again. I'm not sure that raising season ticket prices makes a lot of sense. I think we should be trying to add season ticket holders not discouraging them.
6. I don't understand why he used part of his presentation at the BOT to claim the community doesn't invest enough in athletics.

I fully recognize there is room to disagree agree with every single point I've raised. But my opinion is that there are concerns out there.

Thanks for response.
On 5, I think it is hard to get bball fans to Boone... especially for weekdays...so, they are only going to get hardcore fans anyway .. so, the ticket price is not going to impact them as much. They will show up. Given regular season championship last year, personally think it was the most opportune time to do so
On 6, I actually think he is correct. When you look at other schools in NC .....take ECU for example, they are getting more support from the local community than we are from talking to ECU alumni that I know since I am originally from that part of the state ..not researched it ..just general discussion.
Although P4 schools, UNC and NC State get quite a bit more local support. I get that they would due to P4 and larger alumni base...but the comparisons are extremely vast differences. (Not mention the Eric Church effect... couldn't resist ).
Do I think the AD believes we should be in line with P4 from community support, No ....but the gap is extremely wide ..and that is what the environment is ..
Our local community needs to include Winston, Greensboro and Charlotte..as the local community cannot just be Boone.

[DenverOfTheEast]

Here is what I see and know...

He's fired his own softball coach hire and hired a new one. you're not going to hit on all your choices, but part of being an executive is understanding when you miss and correcting, this is not a legit criticism unless he keeps missing
Both golf programs stink can't keep a coach. who cares? we're never going to have a competitive golf program with it being a spring sport. we should have gotten rid of golf and kept soccer, a sport that we've been succesful at and we can play in our climate
In changing times of Football/NIl landscape he hasn't embraced and helped his #1 program. this is subjective. football gets the most support by far. DG literally cannot interfere with NIL. Contracts will change this.
(Clark isn't the guy anymore but my BEEF is Clark doesn't get the help from above like he should)
Track and Field went 4 FULL seasons with no track. This is a legit criticism
He has ZERO to do with Wrestling success, stay out of the way is the best decision. ok not responsible for any success but 100% responsible for any failure. got it.
No legit indoor football practice facility in the worst location for weather on the east coast south of D.C. but you're also complaining about rising prices? Do you want to build stuff or do you want cheap tickets? you can't have both.
Basketball hire so far A grade based off of last season, before last year it was a B- grade.
Baseball is blah, a fun time at the park but never will keep up - resources to travel are pitiful for that team. Probably because we're supporting football too much, flies directly to one of your points above
Major debt over facilities. I kind of agree here. but you're complaining about rising prices and also a lack of facilities. is your complaint that hes bad at fundraising? I can get on board here. We need to spend more resources in our top market of Charlotte and make more florida friends.
Prices constantly rise, Yosef Club etc. yeah welcome to 2024. You can't complain about lack of support and facilities and complain about prices rising. Pick one or the other.
Doesn't think for himself, always has others(the elite tell him what to do) A problem many executives have.
App State has NEVER won the SBC Bubas Cup - finished 9th in 23-24 and that's with football and basketball success. Winning the socon bubas really meant nothing. We would have won it several times if we were still in the socon since. but yes we need to do better here. I really wish we could get rid of baseball and invest in MSOC since we have the same climate issue with baseball. I understand we can't.
(Dominated this in the So CON from 1991 to 2014 only losing one season -- my man Roachel was in charge then)

Fancy highlight responses there I like it.

But one thing I will say that is without a doubt 150% Factual regarding Bubas/Commish Cup that typically your AD 's are judged by:

Pre COVID PORTAL - DOUG GILLIN spoke to the ENTIRE department and said "WE NEED TO BE TOP 100 IN ALL SPORTS"

Well buddy he ain't came close to that comment. Failure if he was a politician.

[BallantyneApp]

Fancy highlight responses there I like it.

But one thing I will say that is without a doubt 150% Factual regarding Bubas/Commish Cup that typically your AD 's are judged by:

Pre COVID PORTAL - DOUG GILLIN spoke to the ENTIRE department and said "WE NEED TO BE TOP 100 IN ALL SPORTS"

Well buddy he ain't came close to that comment. Failure if he was a politician.

fair criticism but disagree on what ADs are "typically" judged by.

Theres a good and compelling reason Laney was pushed out and App State Athletics are FAR better because of it.

[DenverOfTheEast]

Here’s a short term nightmare scenario: Gillian leaves (on his own) and Clark stays. All the while we still have an interim chancellor.

You do get that Gillin is responsible for this, right?

Like to better understand better your hard-on as it relates to Gillin given your so many negative general references as it relates solely to the football coach.
From an outsider looking in, I see
A good hire at basketball coach
A good hire at baseball coach (doing well considering the disadvantages of playing in the mountains)
Appears to be a good hire with volleyball
Seems to be fine field hockey
Maintaining excellence in wrestling and track and field.
Yes, ADs do not always get it right 100% time.
So, what is your personal issue with the AD. There has to be something given how much he lives rent free in your brain. Yes, generally curious.
I do not but have an opinion one way or the other about the AD than what I see above...as I have only had casual and quick conversations when I pass him when I see him in the NEZ

I have posted this about a month ago, but this is my answer:

With respect to Gillin, specifically, let me say a few things: First, I think his first five years were absolutely fantastic. Like the football team, the last five years not great.

1. I said in 2019 that Clark was a lazy hire, but I wished him well and hoped he would grow into the job.
2. I was not crazy about dropping programs.
3. While I really hoped Clark would grow into the job, it doesn't seem like he has or will. That makes me question his extention.
4. I have raised concerns about the finances for all the proposed facilities plans. About two years ago "funding was secured" for the East tower. I believe (from the Sept. BOT meeting), the reality is we have $20 million is soft commitments.
5. Basketball is finally looking good again. I'm not sure that raising season ticket prices makes a lot of sense. I think we should be trying to add season ticket holders not discouraging them.
6. I don't understand why he used part of his presentation at the BOT to claim the community doesn't invest enough in athletics.

I fully recognize there is room to disagree agree with every single point I've raised. But my opinion is that there are concerns out there.

You and I have differed on Clark at times, But hot damn I agree with the above in Bold 200%!!!!

My Disappointment with #TeamClark not turning the corner after last season late success and capitalizing on this season with a returning QB -- He shoulda coached the off season like his hair was on fire, it seems they were all lazy and no edge coming into 2024 now looking back on the season. I took up for his big ass and he lets me down.

Sad times on the board for DOTE.

Curt Cignetti is a badass -- Clark has none of that in him, never had a good staff like Satt put together for the long haul, all these guys are old as hell and good ole boys around him no tough crazy types that is NEEDED. No urgency or edge about them.

[DenverOfTheEast]

Fancy highlight responses there I like it.

But one thing I will say that is without a doubt 150% Factual regarding Bubas/Commish Cup that typically your AD 's are judged by:

Pre COVID PORTAL - DOUG GILLIN spoke to the ENTIRE department and said "WE NEED TO BE TOP 100 IN ALL SPORTS"

Well buddy he ain't came close to that comment. Failure if he was a politician.

fair criticism but disagree on what ADs are "typically" judged by.

Theres a good and compelling reason Laney was pushed out and App State Athletics are FAR better because of it.

Less than 1% get to retire in athletics leadership positions such as AD, Football or Basketball Head Coach.
So 99% get pushed out.

[BallantyneApp]

Fancy highlight responses there I like it.

But one thing I will say that is without a doubt 150% Factual regarding Bubas/Commish Cup that typically your AD 's are judged by:

Pre COVID PORTAL - DOUG GILLIN spoke to the ENTIRE department and said "WE NEED TO BE TOP 100 IN ALL SPORTS"

Well buddy he ain't came close to that comment. Failure if he was a politician.

fair criticism but disagree on what ADs are "typically" judged by.

Theres a good and compelling reason Laney was pushed out and App State Athletics are FAR better because of it.

Less than 1% get to retire in athletics leadership positions such as AD, Football or Basketball Head Coach.
So 99% get pushed out.

yes most executives from Head Coaches to Presidents have an expiration date. You either die a hero or live long enough to be a villian. Maybe AD Dg time has run out. But from my desk hes had 1 bad hire in the revenue sports. 1 great football hire. 1 great basketball hire. 1 mediocre/bad football hire.

[appgrad95&97]

Here’s a short term nightmare scenario: Gillian leaves (on his own) and Clark stays. All the while we still have an interim chancellor.

You do get that Gillin is responsible for this, right?

Like to better understand better your hard-on as it relates to Gillin given your so many negative general references as it relates solely to the football coach.
From an outsider looking in, I see
A good hire at basketball coach
A good hire at baseball coach (doing well considering the disadvantages of playing in the mountains)
Appears to be a good hire with volleyball
Seems to be fine field hockey
Maintaining excellence in wrestling and track and field.
Yes, ADs do not always get it right 100% time.
So, what is your personal issue with the AD. There has to be something given how much he lives rent free in your brain. Yes, generally curious.
I do not but have an opinion one way or the other about the AD than what I see above...as I have only had casual and quick conversations when I pass him when I see him in the NEZ

I have posted this about a month ago, but this is my answer:

With respect to Gillin, specifically, let me say a few things: First, I think his first five years were absolutely fantastic. Like the football team, the last five years not great.

1. I said in 2019 that Clark was a lazy hire, but I wished him well and hoped he would grow into the job.
2. I was not crazy about dropping programs.
3. While I really hoped Clark would grow into the job, it doesn't seem like he has or will. That makes me question his extention.
4. I have raised concerns about the finances for all the proposed facilities plans. About two years ago "funding was secured" for the East tower. I believe (from the Sept. BOT meeting), the reality is we have $20 million is soft commitments.
5. Basketball is finally looking good again. I'm not sure that raising season ticket prices makes a lot of sense. I think we should be trying to add season ticket holders not discouraging them.
6. I don't understand why he used part of his presentation at the BOT to claim the community doesn't invest enough in athletics.

I fully recognize there is room to disagree agree with every single point I've raised. But my opinion is that there are concerns out there.

Thanks for response.
On 5, I think it is hard to get bball fans to Boone... especially for weekdays...so, they are only going to get hardcore fans anyway .. so, the ticket price is not going to impact them as much. They will show up. Given regular season championship last year, personally think it was the most opportune time to do so
On 6, I actually think he is correct. When you look at other schools in NC .....take ECU for example, they are getting more support from the local community than we are from talking to ECU alumni that I know since I am originally from that part of the state ..not researched it ..just general discussion.
Although P4 schools, UNC and NC State get quite a bit more local support. I get that they would due to P4 and larger alumni base...but the comparisons are extremely vast differences. (Not mention the Eric Church effect... couldn't resist ).
Do I think the AD believes we should be in line with P4 from community support, No ....but the gap is extremely wide ..and that is what the environment is ..
Our local community needs to include Winston, Greensboro and Charlotte..as the local community cannot just be Boone.

I don't disagree with you. I would argue that we (the administration) should do more to build a bigger fanbase. I am shocked about how little support the Yosef Club gets. I have been giving since 1997.How many people give $1,000+? If 8,000 to 10,000 students go to games we should be adding 4 to 5 hundred YC members every year. We don't have a culture where there is an expectation that you give. I'm tired of hearing about school teachers, it's been a long time since the College of Education graduated as many students as the Business School. I don't blame Gillin for that and I don't have a "hard on" for him. But he has been AD for a while and honestly, from my perspective, the YC is less attractive. It feels deprioritized. I miss the hospitality before football games.

Anyway, there is room to disagree. But that is my perspective.

[t4pizza]

Here’s a short term nightmare scenario: Gillian leaves (on his own) and Clark stays. All the while we still have an interim chancellor.

You do get that Gillin is responsible for this, right?

I fancy it more of a BOT thing, but even so, him leaving is like removing a wedged-in Jenga piece given the timing. We don’t need to have to find a new AD, or have an interim to go along with an interim chancellor.

I honestly think that if we are parting ways with our head football coach, the guy that brought him in needs to go also. That is the way of big time college athletics. I would rather start from scratch, get an AD that is good first and then get our football coach. That way everyone is on the same page and tied to each other. Same goes with the Chancellor. To me it should be hire Chancellor, he/she picks new AD, they pick new head coach (if we are going in that direction). Clean sweep and everyone is on the same page and nobody has to worry that they are the previous persons pick.

[AppinVA]

Here’s a short term nightmare scenario: Gillian leaves (on his own) and Clark stays. All the while we still have an interim chancellor.

You do get that Gillin is responsible for this, right?

I fancy it more of a BOT thing, but even so, him leaving is like removing a wedged-in Jenga piece given the timing. We don’t need to have to find a new AD, or have an interim to go along with an interim chancellor.

I honestly think that if we are parting ways with our head football coach, the guy that brought him in needs to go also. That is the way of big time college athletics. I would rather start from scratch, get an AD that is good first and then get our football coach. That way everyone is on the same page and tied to each other. Same goes with the Chancellor. To me it should be hire Chancellor, he/she picks new AD, they pick new head coach (if we are going in that direction). Clean sweep and everyone is on the same page and nobody has to worry that they are the previous persons pick.

And that's why I see him leaving soon. He doesn't want to damage his reputation as a solid leader. He will either move laterally, like Cobb, or up to a smaller P5 school. IMO, he's done great on the whole, and as I said, I believe the BOT basically said to put in Clark (this was the first time EVER that we didn't waste seemingly months to find out "the best option was under our nose the whole time.)"

[Saint3333]

Pressuring the AD is a way to bring change in coaching. Similar to the HC letting the DC go.

[Stonewall]

He received a contract extension last year as I recall.

[PhillyApp1]

the problem is football
FIX the football

other teams in our conference have hit home runs ie JMU
we need one also

[311neers]

He just doesn't impress me. I think it might be more of the same we have experience the past 5 seasons. If we go FCS route, I say look down at Mercer coach. He is currently 8-1 and did well down the mountain as well.

I hope they have been looking already.

If a move is going to be made, and I don't think it will, then there better be a short list that has already been given a lot of quiet vetting. It isn't like this issue hasn't been apparent for some time.

If it’s been apparent for some time, which you are right, it’s been 3 years coming, why would we not move on?

I have many post on this issue, it is simply that I don't see an interim firing a coach with a winning record overall and that we owe a bunch of money. I don't see an interim doing it. Same reason Napier isn't being fired, UF has an interim. For the interim there is little upside and significant potential downsides to the move. I hope that I am wrong, but I just don't see that move happening.

Florida announced coach is not on the hot seat and will return next year.

48 hours later, Florida is down 42-0 in the 3rd. Coaching like he knows he is safe.

[App_in_Maiden]

I hope they have been looking already.

If a move is going to be made, and I don't think it will, then there better be a short list that has already been given a lot of quiet vetting. It isn't like this issue hasn't been apparent for some time.

If it’s been apparent for some time, which you are right, it’s been 3 years coming, why would we not move on?

I have many post on this issue, it is simply that I don't see an interim firing a coach with a winning record overall and that we owe a bunch of money. I don't see an interim doing it. Same reason Napier isn't being fired, UF has an interim. For the interim there is little upside and significant potential downsides to the move. I hope that I am wrong, but I just don't see that move happening.

Florida announced coach is not on the hot seat and will return next year.

48 hours later, Florida is down 42-0 in the 3rd. Coaching like he knows he is safe.

I mean did you see how many of their starters are out today? Not trying to make excuses but he is playing a 3rd string qb without their top weapons on offense and their defense is injured too all the while playing at Texas.

[311neers]

If a move is going to be made, and I don't think it will, then there better be a short list that has already been given a lot of quiet vetting. It isn't like this issue hasn't been apparent for some time.

If it’s been apparent for some time, which you are right, it’s been 3 years coming, why would we not move on?

I have many post on this issue, it is simply that I don't see an interim firing a coach with a winning record overall and that we owe a bunch of money. I don't see an interim doing it. Same reason Napier isn't being fired, UF has an interim. For the interim there is little upside and significant potential downsides to the move. I hope that I am wrong, but I just don't see that move happening.

Florida announced coach is not on the hot seat and will return next year.

48 hours later, Florida is down 42-0 in the 3rd. Coaching like he knows he is safe.

I mean did you see how many of their starters are out today? Not trying to make excuses but he is playing a 3rd string qb without their top weapons on offense and their defense is injured too all the while playing at Texas.

Yep. I watched them play last week. Freshman 3rd string QB and a bunch of others out. Just funny timing.

[App_in_Maiden]

If it’s been apparent for some time, which you are right, it’s been 3 years coming, why would we not move on?

I have many post on this issue, it is simply that I don't see an interim firing a coach with a winning record overall and that we owe a bunch of money. I don't see an interim doing it. Same reason Napier isn't being fired, UF has an interim. For the interim there is little upside and significant potential downsides to the move. I hope that I am wrong, but I just don't see that move happening.

Florida announced coach is not on the hot seat and will return next year.

48 hours later, Florida is down 42-0 in the 3rd. Coaching like he knows he is safe.

I mean did you see how many of their starters are out today? Not trying to make excuses but he is playing a 3rd string qb without their top weapons on offense and their defense is injured too all the while playing at Texas.

Yep. I watched them play last week. Freshman 3rd string QB and a bunch of others out. Just funny timing.

It is wild seeing what they did last week and now here we are. I really thought they may pull off the upset last week.

[Stonewall]

Tre Lamb has ETSU in position to take a share of the SoCon title in his first year. I’ve watched a few of their games including yesterday against Western . Both teams in the running for the championship. I believe ETSU set an attendance record in the game. Second string QB looked good.

[J_Mountaineers]

Tre Lamb has ETSU in position to take a share of the SoCon title in his first year. I’ve watched a few of their games including yesterday against Western . Both teams in the running for the championship. I believe ETSU set an attendance record in the game. Second string QB looked good.

What he’s done in less than a year at ETSU is nothing short of remarkable. He’d be a natural fit in Boone.

[DenverOfTheEast]

The old Sun Belt was easier to win for App State -- the new expanded Sun Belt has evened the playing field for others to catch ASU:

Coastal and ODU both offer eastern SC< NC AND tidewater kids an option instead of going all the way to Boone.

JMU along with Liberty has a lock on most of Va recruiting plus their budget and fan base following is 2nd to none.

Marshall has great tradition, resources and unique ability to get in any transfer in America regardless of grade status.

Georgia State also picks up recruits down south that didn't happen 10 years ago.


App State must recruit better, pay better NIL -- must learn to be crafty - need a deeper bench for sure.

Times have changed, not as easy -- reminds me of Nebraska dropping last 20 years since joining the BIG 10.